Those Sneaky Salad Dressings
Salad dressings are a staple condiment for many people, but they often contain hidden calories and preservatives. Commercial salad dressings are often high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats and can easily add hundreds of extra calories to your daily intake. Additionally, they often contain preservatives and other additives to extend their shelf life, but these chemicals can negatively affect your health.
Making your salad dressing at home is a simple and healthier alternative. With homemade dressings, you have control over the ingredients and can choose to use healthy oils, such as olive or avocado oil, and natural sweeteners, like honey or maple syrup. You can also add nutrient-rich ingredients like garlic, ginger, or turmeric to boost the health benefits of your dressing.
Another benefit of making your salad dressing is that it can save you money in the long run. Store-bought dressings can be expensive, and making your dress with simple, affordable ingredients is easy to save money while improving your health.
Want to know a few of my favorite go-to homemade dressing recipes? I love the following dressings because you can vary them depending on cravings and mood. For example, add 1/4 of an avocado if you want something creamy.
Balsamic Vinegar: Combine 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 clove of minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
Red Wine Vinegar: Mix 1/2 cup red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 minced shallot, and salt and pepper to taste.
Lemon-Dijon Vinegar: Combine 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of honey, and salt and pepper to taste.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 minced shallot, and salt and pepper to taste.
Honey-Mustard Vinegar: Combine 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste.
Do you love these kitchen hacks and ideas to simplify making healthy choices in 2023? Comment below with your favorite homemade salad dressing.